RK windscreen Vs Batwing
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 795
Likes: 9
From: Manasquan NJ
RK windscreen Vs Batwing
Anyone go from a RK to a Batwing that can give some pros and cons for eack. It is very hard to decide which bagger to buy, even when it comes to lowers. I'm thinking that the batwing would really only make a difference with your hands when it's cold or raining. How about wind buffeting on your head? My 98 RK sucked for that unless I had the tall screen.Thoughts? Thanks
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 685
Likes: 123
From: NW Suburburbs of Chicago
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
I have the batwing and my buddy rides the RK. The wind buffeting above 65 keeps him in touring mode whereas my batwing is rock solid all the way to the top. I don't think I would ever go over to the RK from the Ultra. As far as the lowers, I have never had a problem with air circulation with the lowers and they are REALLY nice when the weather is cold or wet.
My .02
My .02
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 2
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
I am sure the batwing gives better protection all around, but I just don't want that look on a RK. With the clear screen, you can see more of the road in front of your handlebars, which I like, but more wind and rain no doubt compared to the batwing.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 9
From: Northern Virginia
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
sheckmark, all this is only my opinion, I road a Roadking for 5 years and 50,000 miles. I absolutlly loved my RK, that said I test drove a 08 Ultra and could not belive how different the ride was for a bike that is so simiiar. I ride on the highway alot. At 80 mph on the Roadking there is quite a bit of wind buffeting. I can cruise the Ultra at 90+ mph and it feels like I am doing 60 (very smoooooth). The Ultra Classic was the choise for me because I enjoy long trips and I wanted a radio. I have not taken off the lowers yet, but they will come off soon for the summer, I also have a shorter windshield that I have not tried out yet. I loved my RK and miss it but I am quicklly falling in love with my new Ultra Classic It is a very nice bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 681
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
why have to chose. buy the RK and then add a detachableaftermarket batwing. there are several brands to chose from you have to decide which one is for you. my only suggestion is pick one that uses a stock hd windshield. that way if you need one you can pick one up on the road if necessary.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
Simple- the RK has a windscreen.
The batwing is a fairing.
Big difference.
I've ridden both and windscreens only break up the windblast so it doesn't hammer you in the chest all day. They also work so-so at deflecting bugs, pebbles, etc. flying through the air. Beyond that they don't do much.
Fairings are much more efficient at providing wind and rain protection, deflecting bugs & flying road debris, and it gives you a place for a stereo, full instruments, etc.
RK's look cool with the windscreen- in fact they look similar to an Electra Glide from the 60's, which is a look I really like. But looks aside. if you want the best protection from wind & the elements you can get, you need a real fairing.
Go to a HOG rally, bike week, or other large gathering and see how many RK's are out there with add-on aftermarket batwings. (You'll see quite a few, and I've never seen one that didn't look like crap.) But you'll never see an Electra Glide that has had its fairing removed in favor of a windscreen...
The batwing is a fairing.
Big difference.
I've ridden both and windscreens only break up the windblast so it doesn't hammer you in the chest all day. They also work so-so at deflecting bugs, pebbles, etc. flying through the air. Beyond that they don't do much.
Fairings are much more efficient at providing wind and rain protection, deflecting bugs & flying road debris, and it gives you a place for a stereo, full instruments, etc.
RK's look cool with the windscreen- in fact they look similar to an Electra Glide from the 60's, which is a look I really like. But looks aside. if you want the best protection from wind & the elements you can get, you need a real fairing.
Go to a HOG rally, bike week, or other large gathering and see how many RK's are out there with add-on aftermarket batwings. (You'll see quite a few, and I've never seen one that didn't look like crap.) But you'll never see an Electra Glide that has had its fairing removed in favor of a windscreen...
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
I own a Road King and ride an Electra Glide at work. I can't tell much difference in either handles as far as the wind at interstate speed goes.
Either one is a great choice. Get which ever one you like the best.
Either one is a great choice. Get which ever one you like the best.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,521
Likes: 15
From: Bremerton
RE: RK windscreen Vs Batwing
Batwing wins handsdown plus you get the radio which is a lot nicer then you may think.Never thought you needed one on a bike untill I got one.I still have my Roadking and enjoy it but ride the Ultra most of the time.Only real advantage to the RK is being able to take off the windshield and I havent done that for a long time.Ultra is great for long trips at higher speeds.Id definately take a Streetglide over a Roadking and If I can find a Carb 06 may make a trade.
